Short answer: the Fostex TH610. It ranks #225 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $799.99; the Meze Strada ranks #271, rated 3.4/5, at $799. The price gap is small enough that the sound-quality ranking should decide it.
Why pick the Fostex TH610: Crinacle’s measurement gives it a preference score of 72 with a slightly warm overall tilt, a solid result for a closed-back headphone. Watch for: At 0.8 lbs (375 g) it is on the heavier side for a closed-back headphone.
Why pick the Meze Strada: Bass and sub-bass sit within about 1 dB of target, giving an accurate, well-extended low end, and the midrange from 200 Hz to 6 kHz stays within about 1.5 dB, so vocals and instruments sound natural. The catch: A 9.9 dB dip near 6.8 kHz and a 6 to 10 kHz region about 6.8 dB below target soften cymbal attack and blunt treble detail, while the air band above 10 kHz runs about 3.4 dB high, an uneven combination.
Buy the Fostex TH610. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $0.99 saving on the Meze Strada is not enough to make up the difference.
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Crinacle’s measurement gives it a preference score of 72 with a slightly warm overall tilt, a solid result for a closed-back headphone.
B&H Photo Video $799.99 eBay
Bass and sub-bass sit within about 1 dB of target, giving an accurate, well-extended low end, and the midrange from 200 Hz to 6 kHz stays within about 1.5 dB, so vocals and instruments sound natural.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Fostex TH610 | Meze Strada | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.99 | $799.00 |
| Ranked | #225 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #271 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 72 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 69 (median of 4 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.52 dB standard deviation | 2.49 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.71 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.88 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 25 ohms | 40 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW | 111 dB SPL/mW |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (375 g) | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 45kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Sub-bass Extension | - | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
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